Worshippers rejoice at Pope Francis's visit to Bahrain cathedral

Pontiff thanks people of Bahrain for caring for the country's Catholic community in address at Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral

Philip Ian Pamintuan was part of the congregation for the pope's visit to Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral. All pictures by Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Amani Haddad with her daughter, Tala Haddad, 17.

Fatima Desouza was grateful to be part of the service.

Vinil Rohi Marripudi, 15, said the papal visit was a wonderful experience.

Roland Gabriel with his partner at the vast place of worship.

The pope thanked the people of Bahrain for their support of Catholics living in the country during the service.

Father Nedumpurath Johnson travelled from Kuwait to be part of the pontiff's Bahrain tour.

Worshippers have shared their joy at being part of a historic papal visit to the Arabian Gulf's largest Roman Catholic church.

Pope Francis thanked the people of Bahrain for their care for the country's Catholic contingent during an address at Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral on Friday evening.

He took part in a prayer for peace to round off the second day of his milestone tour of the kingdom.

The pontiff entered the vast place of worship to rapturous applause from a congregation thrilled to see the revered head of their flock in person.

After the Pope left the cathedral, those in attendance told of the thrill of hearing him deliver his message.

Fatima Desouza was delighted to see the Pope in person. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

"We were so excited and thrilled to see him deliver this holy Mass," said Fatima Desouza, 52, an executive secretary from India.

Vinel Marripudi, 15, a pupil who also comes from India, spoke about the importance of the occasion, saying "today was a wonderful experience, we witnessed history in this moment."

Roland Gabriel, from Lebanon, was enthralled by the chance to see the pontiff in person.

"The Pope's visit to Bahrain is something unique. I'm sure everyone enjoyed it just as much as we did."

The 36-year-old, who works as a regional human resources manager in Bahrain, hailed the leader of the world's Catholics as "a very humble influential figure".

"And that's what we love the most about him," he said.

Amani Haddad, from Jordan, was cherishing the Pope's momentous visit.

"I hope this is a great visit for Bahrain and for us. I am making sure to attend every event where the Pope will be while in Bahrain."

Father Nedumpurath Johnson, from the Salmiya Parish, travelled from Kuwait to attend the service.

"It was wonderful. The holy father spoke about unity and diversity. He tells us about how to live together as one family."

Philip Ian Pamintuan, 39, was part of the choir that welcomed the Pope into the cathedral. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Phillip Ian Pamintuan was a member of the choir that sang in the cathedral as the Pope entered, and as he made his exit.

He says he was overwhelmed and blessed to be a part of the choir, adding that "it was a great gathering of many cultures and people."

The Pope will deliver a public Mass before a crowd of more than 20,000 at the Bahrain National Stadium on Saturday.

Pope's Bahrain visit — in pictures

Pope Francis leads Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, in Bahrain. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The cathedral is the largest in the region. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Pope Francis stressed the need for the world to cast aside self interest and political ideologies to address injustice and world hunger. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Priests light candles during the Pope's visit. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The pontiff greets priests. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The leader of the world's Catholics also took aim at the growing divide between the rich and poor. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

There's always time for a selfie. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Pope Francis writes in the visitors' book at the cathedral. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Pope Francis greets the attendees as he enters at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Bahrain. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Members of the choir sing as they await the arrival of the Pope. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Priests and worshippers wait for the Pope. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed El Tayeb speak at a meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders. Reuters

Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, attend a meeting with council members at the mosque in Sakhir Palace. AP

Pope Francis and the Grand Imam attend a meeting with the members of the council in the courtyard of the mosque at Sakhir Palace. Reuters

Pope Francis arrives at the mosque at Sakhir Palace, alongside the Grand Imam of Al Azhar. AFP

The cathedral slowly fills before the Pope’s arrival. A friar speaks after the choir finishes singing a hymn. Faisal Salah / The National

Pope Francis meets the Grand Imam of Al Azhar mosque near the Sakhir Royal Palace in Bahrain. AFP

The Pope meets the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb. Reuters

Pope Francis meets Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in Bahrain. AFP

Pope Francis and King Hamad attend the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at the Sakhir Royal Palace. Reuters

Dr Ahmed El Tayeb delivers a speech at the palace in Manama. AFP

King Hamad, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad and Pope Francis attend the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at the Sakhir Palace. Reuters

Pope Francis, King Hamad and other dignitaries at a ceremony at the palace. AFP

Onlookers film on their phones as Pope Francis attends the closing session of the dialogue. AP Photo

The Royal Bahraini Air Force flies the flags of Vatican City and Bahrain. Reuters

Pope Francis attends the closing ceremony of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue at Sakhir Palace. Reuters

Bahrain's King Hamad, right, and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, talk as they wait for the arrival of the Pope at the closing session of the forum. AP

Security officers wait for the Pope to arrive. AP Photo

The theme of the forum was 'East and West for Human Co-existence'. Reuters

More than 200 global faith leaders and scholars took part in the conference. Reuters

Discussions covered the role of religious heads in addressing global challenges, as well as interfaith dialogue as a way to ensure world peace. Reuters

The Pope was scheduled to speak at the closing session of the forum.

Guests arrive for the closing ceremony of the forum. Reuters